7 Things You Need to Know Before You Start Composting

Get the dirt on how to make a compost bin.

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By Adrienne Holland

May 10, 2017

We can see it now: it's a warm summer night, you just finished supper, and you have a couple of leftover food scraps. What to do? Well, you can either throw them away, put them down the disposal, or you can do a good deed and carry them out to your very own composting bin. The latter option is definitely the most green, but make no mistake, there's more to composting than just tossing bits of unwanted food in a bin every now and again. So, if you find yourself becoming more interested in this eco-friendly activity that has major benefits for your garden, read on for our best composting tips to help get you started.

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1. You don't need a fancy bin.

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When you start searching for composting essentials, you may feel the pressure to invest in a fancy bin that promises to speed the process up and produce richer soil. But don't buy into this, no matter how enticing it may sound! Trust us: It's just as effective to create your own DIY bin. Have an old garbage can? That'll work perfectly! Just drill some holes into the sides, make sure it has a lid, and you are all set. Or, locate some wood pallets to make a box at least 3'x 3' in size. As long as your bin is breathable and has good circulation, you're good to go.

(Side note: If you aren't much of a DIYer, there is always the "pile" method of composting, which is exactly how it sounds. Pick a space in your backyard where you can neatly pile your compost layers on top of one another. Just beware of squirrels and raccoons trying to cause trouble!)

2. You do need to find a prime location...

Once you have your bin assembled, you will then need to choose a prime location for it to live. First, it is especially important to ensure that the ground area is level. This not only helps keep the bin flush to the ground, but it also improves the draining process. Second, be sure that the spot you select gets plenty of direct sunlight throughout most of the day. The compost mixture inside will be activated by the heat, and this will help to hasten the process quite a bit.

3. ...then add in the goodies.

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So, besides the extra food scraps, what else can you toss inside the compost bin? We're so glad you asked! The easiest rule of thumb is to have a good balance of both "green/wet" materials (making up the nitrogen element), and "brown/dry" materials (making up the carbon element). A composting pile needs both in order to survive and thrive.

4. There are some things to avoid, though.

It can be easy to become more lax about what you toss into your compost pile over time, but there are certain ingredients that should never make their way inside your bin. While most food scraps are welcome additions, you should always make sure to pick out any leftover meat, bones, or animal fat. These will not break down properly, and will quickly turn into a less-than-appetizing mess. Also, while your pet droppings may seem kin to manure, this is also a no-go! Just trust us on that one.

5. Make sure you mix and layer.

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The ratio of green/wet items to brown/dry items is imperative to guarantee your compost reacts and breaks down the way that it should. Aiming for a 50/50 ratio is the safest way to make sure you are doing it correctly, or you can try for a 60/40 mix with more green material than brown if you are feeling bold. As long as the dry materials don't outweigh the wet ones, your bin will be able to correctly decompose.

6. Don't forget to water it.

Just like any other plant or flower in your yard, the inside of your compost bin relies completely on water. So, be sure to check its moisture levels every several days. If your climate has been especially dry lately, don't forget to hit your bin with some H20 to keep the decomposing process moving along. And if you have experienced a couple of rainy days back-to-back, don't worry! Those drainage holes will have you covered.

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7. Don't forget to turn the pile.

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About once a week, it will also be necessary to "turn the pile," as they say. So, what's turning the pile exactly? Simply, this means to physically mix the contents of your bin up in order to release any air holes, and to get the oxygen inside moving. It is the same idea as cooking a soup or a stew: it can't sit one way for too long! The easiest way to do this is with a pitchfork, or if you don't have one, a shovel will work too. Just be sure to reach the very bottom. (You can even count it as your work-out for the day!)

If you follow these simple tips, we guarantee you'll find yourself on the train to rich, composted soil in as little as three to six months. And while it might end up being a more tedious process, nothing can beat the natural, organic plant food it eventually produces. So, get out there and try it for yourself! Your garden will thank you for it.